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Liu YM, Zhang J, Wu JJ, Guo WW, Tang FS. Strengthening pharmacotherapy research for COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:875-879. [PMID: 38414600 PMCID: PMC10895630 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i5.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis (PF), an irreversible lung injury. This condition can manifest within a short interval following the onset of pneumonia symptoms, sometimes even within a few days. While lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving procedure, its limited availability, high costs, intricate surgeries, and risk of immunological rejection present significant drawbacks. The optimal timing of medication administration for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced PF remains controversial. Despite this, it is crucial to explore pharmacotherapy interventions, involving early and preventative treatment as well as pharmacotherapy options for advanced-stage PF. Additionally, studies have demonstrated disparities in anti-fibrotic treatment based on race and gender factors. Genetic mutations may also impact therapeutic efficacy. Enhancing research efforts on pharmacotherapy interventions, while considering relevant pharmacological factors and optimizing the timing and dosage of medication administration, will lead to enhanced, personalized, and fair treatment for individuals impacted by COVID-19-related PF. These measures are crucial in lessening the burden of the disease on healthcare systems and improving patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Miao Liu
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy in Zunyi City, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Central Hospital in Jinchang City, Jinchang 737102, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy in Zunyi City, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Wei-Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy in Zunyi City, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Fu-Shan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy in Zunyi City, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province and School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, Guizhou Province, China
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El Khoury M, Naim HY. Lipid rafts disruption by statins negatively impacts the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit and ACE2 in intestinal epithelial cells. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1335458. [PMID: 38260879 PMCID: PMC10800905 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1335458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, is a virus that targets mainly the upper respiratory tract. However, it can affect other systems such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therapeutic strategies for this virus are still inconclusive and understanding its entry mechanism is important for finding effective treatments. Cholesterol is an important constituent in the structure of cellular membranes that plays a crucial role in a variety of cellular events. In addition, it is important for the infectivity and pathogenicity of several viruses. ACE2, the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2, is associated with lipid rafts which are microdomains composed of cholesterol and sphingolipids. In this study, we investigate the role of statins, lipid-lowering drugs, on the trafficking of ACE2 and the impact of cholesterol modulation on the interaction of this receptor with S1 in Caco-2 cells. The data show that fluvastatin and simvastatin reduce the expression of ACE2 to variable extents, impair its association with lipid rafts and sorting to the brush border membrane resulting in substantial reduction of its interaction with the S1 subunit of the spike protein. By virtue of the substantial effects of statins demonstrated in our study, these molecules, particularly fluvastatin, represent a promising therapeutic intervention that can be used off-label to treat SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hassan Y. Naim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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